New Bill is opportunity to secure family group decision making in law

Commenting on the introduction of the Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill, Mary Glasgow Chief Executive of Children First said:

“Every child should be able to grow up loved, safe and respected no matter their circumstances. The Children (Care, Care Experience and Services Planning) (Scotland) Bill s a key legislative opportunity to realise this ambition.

“We welcome the provisions to ensure the voices and views of children and young people influence the decisions that affect their lives.  It is however disappointing that the Scottish Government has missed the opportunity to strengthen the law on family group decision making, in the Bill as introduced.. Family group decision making is widely proven to empower families, improve outcomes and reduce the number of children taken into care, saving money in the long run.  We look forward to working with the Scottish Government, MSPs and partners to seize this opportunity to secure the place of family group decision making in legislation and speed up progress on to keep the Promise."